Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

We at Centennial Dental Center had thought we’d heard it all when it came to teeth, but boy were we wrong! Recently, a patient called us to ask some questions, but it wasn’t about a chipped tooth or our TMJ treatment. It was something she’d done herself, something we thought we’d never hear from a patient. But she was obviously uncomfortable, and with reason, when she said she’d left some teeth whitening strips for TWO HOURS!

Our poor patient said her teeth were so sensitive she couldn’t eat, and could barely drink water. So, before you make the same mistake, keep reading for some very important safety tips regarding teeth whitening.

Come see us first to make sure your teeth are in the best shape for whitening. If you have a cavity, sensitivity, or veneers there might be a complication with teeth whitening. A simple cleaning might help remove some stains before you even start! To make sure your teeth stay healthy and vibrant, give them the best treatment beforehand.

Do your research. Each brand uses a different amount of the active teeth whitening ingredients. Depending on if you have whitened your teeth before, you might be able to handle a higher level of active ingredients (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide). Not sure which way to go? Call us and we’ll help you make a good decision.

Follow the directions on the box. Please read all directions on the box and follow them to a T. Set a timer so you don’t accidentally leave teeth whitening strips on for too long. If you feel like you need more time to get the results you want, try planning out multiple uses (again, according to the directions) or call us for a customized teeth whitening service!

We’ve also learned that the teeth-whitening strips you find at the grocery store aren’t the best fit for everyone. They’re just a little too short to reach all the visible teeth when some people smile. Also, we’ve heard that they can sometimes miss the edges of the teeth if they aren’t applied just so.

For the best results, we recommend a professional, customized teeth whitening service. Did you know that we can help you brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home? Give us a call at (208) 322-1112 to schedule a consultation about our at-home teeth whitening system today!